A controversial report claiming helmets increase cyclists' injuries has been rubbished by experts.

The Evaluation of New Zealand's Bicycle Helmet Law report published in today's New Zealand Medical Journal also says forcing cyclists to wear helmets has contributed to 53 premature deaths each year and halved the number of cyclists on the roads.

But an academic and cycle advocate have separately said it was "a stretch" to say the helmet law, which came into effect in 1994, was solely responsible for those findings.

In the report, UK cycle coach Colin Clarke, compiled numerous New Zealand sources to question whether a mandatory cycle helmet requirement was the "best approach to promoting health and safety".

Should all cyclists wear bike helmets? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

  1. your views
  2. So-over-Socialism says
    "It aint none of the Government's business. The wearing or otherwise of a helmet should resolve back to how high your health insurance premiums become."
  3. jaws says
    "Some head injuries wont be prevented by a helmet but many will. Once upon a time we didnt have laws about car seat belts either."
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